Chicken Schnitzel Recipe and Tasty Side Dishes to Serve With

Making chicken schnitzel at home is easier than you might think. This traditional schnitzel recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 4 chicken breast fillets

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 3 large eggs

- 3 cups fine breadcrumbs

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- Vegetable oil for frying

- Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat hammer or rolling pin to pound the chicken until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure the thickness is even across the whole piece. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up Your Coating Station: Prepare three shallow dishes. Put flour in the first dish. Beat the eggs in the second dish. Mix breadcrumbs with paprika in the third dish. This setup makes it easy to coat each piece of chicken for your schnitzel recipe.

3. Coat the Chicken: Take one piece of chicken and cover it completely in flour. Shake off any extra flour. Dip the chicken in the beaten eggs, making sure both sides are covered. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs stick well to create a thick coating.

4. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a large pan until it is about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into it. If it sizzles and turns golden quickly, the oil is hot enough.

5. Fry the Schnitzel: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook only 1-2 pieces at a time to keep the oil temperature steady.

6. Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked schnitzel from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges while the schnitzel recipe is still hot and crispy.

These helpful tips will make your schnitzel recipe turn out perfect every time. Following these suggestions will help you avoid common mistakes and create restaurant-quality results at home.

- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that the internal temperature of your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.

- Keep the Oil Temperature Steady: Use a cooking thermometer to monitor your oil temperature. If the oil gets too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If the oil is too cool, the schnitzel will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

- Make Fresh Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs create a better texture than store-bought ones. Use day-old bread and pulse it in a food processor until you get fine crumbs. This simple step improves your schnitzel recipe significantly.

- Don't Skip the Resting Time: Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better to the meat. Place the prepared schnitzel on a wire rack while you heat the oil.

- Use the Right Pan: Choose a heavy-bottomed pan that distributes heat evenly. Cast iron or stainless steel pans work best for frying. Avoid thin pans that create hot spots and uneven cooking.

A complete schnitzel recipe meal includes delicious side dishes that complement the crispy chicken. These traditional and modern sides will make your dinner more satisfying and balanced.

- German Potato Salad: This warm potato salad is made with vinegar and bacon. It has a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of fried schnitzel. The potatoes absorb the dressing while staying firm and flavorful.

- Spaetzle: These small German egg noodles are soft and chewy. Spaetzle soaks up any juices from the schnitzel and adds a comforting element to your meal. You can buy dried spaetzle or make fresh ones at home.

- Red Cabbage: Sweet and sour red cabbage is a classic German side dish. The cabbage is cooked slowly with apples and vinegar until tender. This colorful vegetable adds nutrition and balances the fried schnitzel recipe.

- Cucumber Salad: Fresh cucumber salad with dill and vinegar is light and refreshing. This cool side dish helps cleanse your palate between bites of crispy schnitzel. The salad takes only minutes to prepare.

- Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make healthy sides. Season the vegetables with herbs and olive oil before roasting. The natural sweetness of roasted vegetables pairs well with savory schnitzel.

While chicken is popular, traditional schnitzel recipe variations use different types of meat. Each meat brings its own flavor and texture to this classic dish. Learning about these options helps you expand your cooking skills.

- Veal Schnitzel (Wiener Schnitzel): Veal is the original meat used in an authentic Austrian schnitzel recipe. Veal has a delicate flavor and tender texture. However, veal costs more than other meats and can be harder to find in regular grocery stores.

- Pork Schnitzel: Pork schnitzel is common in Germany and costs less than veal. Use pork loin or pork chops that are pounded thin. Pork has more flavor than chicken and stays juicy when cooked properly.

- Turkey Schnitzel: Turkey breast makes a lean alternative to chicken in your schnitzel recipe. Turkey has a slightly stronger flavor than chicken, but it cooks in the same way. This option works well for people who want less fat in their meals.

- Fish Schnitzel: White fish like cod or sole can be used to make fish schnitzel. The fish should be firm enough to hold together when breaded and fried. Fish schnitzel cooks faster than meat, so watch the timing carefully.

- Vegetarian Schnitzel: Eggplant, cauliflower, or tofu can replace meat in vegetarian schnitzel recipe versions. Slice the vegetables thick and follow the same coating process. These plant-based options absorb flavors well and create satisfying meals for non-meat eaters.

Making schnitzel at home allows you to control the ingredients and cooking method. This versatile schnitzel recipe works for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With practice, you will master the technique and create your own favorite variations of this beloved dish.